Man of the Week: Maxim Shabanov
KHL.ru’s weekly column goes on with Maxim Shabanov. The Traktor forward has been instrumental in the Chelyabinsk’s side success this season, leading the team in scoring and helping the Black-and-Whites clinching the Eastern Conference’s win in the regular season.
Traktor has emerged as a dominant force this season, leading the Eastern Conference with a series of impressive performances and looking to improve last year’s result. Central to this success is 24-year-old forward Maxim Shabanov, whose consistent point-scoring and dynamic play have been instrumental in Traktor’s ascent – last year just like the current season.
A season to remember
Shabanov’s impact on the ice is undeniable. In the 2024-2025 KHL regular season, he has played 65 games, amassing 23 goals and 44 assists, totaling 67 points. This strong performance places him second in the league’s scoring charts, trailing only Salavat Yulaev’s Joshua Leivo in overall points. Additionally, Shabanov’s 44 assists position him just behind Sibir’s blueliner Trevor Murphy in the assists leaderboard.
Beyond his statistical achievements, Shabanov has delivered moments of sheer brilliance. Notably, in a recent matchup against Ak Bars, he executed a jaw-dropping lacrosse-style goal. Despite Traktor’s loss in that game, Shabanov’s highlight-reel goal underscored his ability to dazzle and inspire.
Early years
Born on October 7, 2000, in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Shabanov’s path began in his hometown. Standing at 173 cm and weighing 71 kg, he defies traditional expectations of size in hockey, leveraging his agility and vision to outmaneuver larger – and often slower – opponents.
Shabanov's early career saw him developing his skills with Belye Medvedi in the JHL, where he consistently improved his performance. In the 2017-2018 season, he played 53 games, recording 12 goals and 14 assists for a total of 26 points. The following season, he increased his production significantly, tallying 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in 60 games in Chelyabinsk.
His progression continued with Chelmet in the VHL, where he further honed his offensive capabilities. In the 2019-2020 season, he played 38 games, scoring 2 goals and 8 assists for a total of 10 points. The following year, he showed substantial improvement, posting 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 33 games.
Shabanov's consistent development earned him a spot with Traktor in the KHL, where he made his way until he became an impact player in Chelyabinsk. In the 2021-2022 season, he appeared in 11 games, registering 1 goal and 1 assist. His breakout came in the 2022-2023 campaign when he played 67 games, scoring 18 goals and adding 13 assists for 31 points. He followed that up with an even stronger 2023-2024 season, where he amassed 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 64 games, emerging as the team’s top scorer and continuing his strong production during Traktor’s playoff run.
Defying the odds
In a sport where size often dictates success, Shabanov's stature has been a point of discussion. However, his height and weight have not hindered his performance; instead, they have become assets. His low center of gravity enhances his balance and agility, allowing him to navigate through defenses with ease. This season, he has maintained an average time on ice of 18:57 per game, reflecting the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.
Looking ahead
At just 24 years old, Shabanov's best years are arguably ahead of him. His current form has not gone unnoticed, and he remains a crucial part of Traktor’s success. With the team leading the Eastern Conference, aspirations for a deep playoff run are high, hoping for the team led by Benoit Groulx to improve last season’s result – the Chelyabinsk side reached the semi-finals, when Lokomotiv swept them 0-4 in the series. And with Shabanov even in better shape, the sky's the limit for the Eastern Conference’s giant.
